Tenille Selected to Perform at Performing Arts Perspectives
Class of 2025 graduate Tenille Pretorius has been selected to perform at Performing Arts Perspectives, a prestigious showcase celebrating some of Western Australia’s highest-achieving graduating performing arts students.
A Prestigious Statewide Showcase
This year, 25 incredibly talented students have been chosen to perform on the iconic His Majesty’s Theatre stage on 20 April, showcasing exceptional skills across Music, Dance and Drama. Tenille has been selected for Dance, an outstanding achievement that reflects her talent, dedication and love of performance. Each year, the highest-scoring WACE students are invited to audition for Performing Arts Perspectives. From these auditions, performers are selected by a panel made up of representatives from the professional arts sector and the education community, with the final program designed to reflect the breadth, creativity and excellence of student performance across the state.
A Moment to Remember
For Tenille, finding out she had been selected as one of four students in the state to perform her Original Solo Composition (OSC) and one of seven to perform the Year 12 Set Solo was a moment she will never forget. “I was on holiday when I found out, and I honestly couldn’t wait to get home and start practising,” she said. “I was in total disbelief that I’d been selected to perform both my Original Solo Composition and the Year 12 Set Solo. It took a while to sink in. After that, I just felt so excited, proud and really grateful, not only for me, but for my family, friends and teachers who supported me the whole way. It felt like all the hard work had genuinely paid off.”
Recognition of Dedication and Passion
Being chosen for Performing Arts Perspectives means a great deal to Tenille and stands as recognition of the commitment she has shown to Dance throughout her time at Santa Maria, especially in Years 11 and 12. “Being chosen means so much to me because it feels like proof that the early mornings, long rehearsals, constant feedback, and all the moments where I doubted myself were worth it,” she said. “It’s really special to have my passion and dedication to dance recognised.”
Rising to the Challenge
The audition process was both intense and empowering. Held on a Saturday, it pushed Tenille to draw on her preparation, composure and performance experience. “At first, I was excited, but once I saw everyone else warming up and heard the music starting, I got more nervous than I expected,” she said. “It honestly felt a lot like my WACE practical exam, except instead of two examiners there were five. I had never experienced that before, and it was a bit overwhelming at first.” Even so, she chose to focus on being present and enjoying the experience. “I reminded myself that nerves are normal, and that being prepared and present matters more than trying to control every little detail.”
A Surreal and Rewarding Achievement
To be recognised among such a small group of selected performers is something Tenille describes as surreal and deeply rewarding. “It feels really surreal and I’m genuinely grateful,” she said. “To be recognised by respected people in the WA dance community makes me feel proud, but it also reminds me there’s still so much more to learn. I’m especially excited to train and perform alongside other talented performing arts students across WA.”
Taking the Stage at His Majesty’s Theatre
Adding to the significance of the occasion is the chance to perform at His Majesty’s Theatre, one of Perth’s most iconic and historic venues. “Performing at His Majesty’s Theatre still doesn’t feel completely real,” she said. “It’s such an iconic, historic venue, and stepping onto that stage feels like a glimpse into the professional world. I’m so excited, and definitely a little nervous in the best way, to share that moment with my family and friends.”
The Santa Maria Experience
Tenille credits her time studying Dance at Santa Maria College with giving her the skills, confidence and support to pursue opportunities like this. “Studying Dance at Santa Maria has given me the technical foundation and confidence to go for opportunities like Performing Arts Perspectives,” she said. “Our performing arts teachers are so supportive, and the feedback they give is always constructive and genuinely helps you improve.” She is also grateful for the many performance opportunities she experienced at Santa Maria, including the Dance Showcase, IGSSA Dance and performances at Mercy Day. “Those experiences taught me how to handle nerves, work as part of a team, and keep growing as a performer,” she said. “Overall, Santa Maria helped me develop not just technically, but artistically too, and it’s made me feel ready to take the next step into the performing arts world.”
Growth Through Challenge
Looking back, Tenille says the journey has helped her recognise her own resilience and growth. “This process has shown me that I’m more capable than I sometimes give myself credit for,” she said. “One of the biggest challenges for me was improvisation. I was honestly scared of it at first, and it pushed me to step outside my comfort zone.” With practice, feedback and encouragement, improvisation became one of the most rewarding parts of her performance journey. “By the time my final exams came around, improv was actually my favourite part, which I never expected,” she said. “I’ve also learned to be kinder to myself when I make mistakes, because mistakes are how you grow, and nobody is perfect. More than anything, it reminded me that this is a journey, not a destination.”
Advice for Aspiring Performers
Her advice for younger Santa Maria students aspiring to perform at this level is to embrace every opportunity and back themselves. “Take every opportunity that comes your way, even if it’s scary,” she said. “Put your hand up, be willing to try, and don’t wait until you feel ‘ready’. Confidence comes from doing.” “Trust yourself and don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. If you love the arts, keep showing up for it, even on the days you feel unsure. Growth doesn’t happen when you stay comfortable. It happens when you’re brave enough to step out of it.”
Looking Ahead
Tenille is now looking ahead to an exciting future. In 2026, she plans to continue training, explore new techniques and styles, and study a Bachelor of Arts (Dance) at WAAPA. “I want to keep challenging myself both artistically and technically,” she said. “I also want to continue choreographing and creating original work and, over time, pass on the knowledge and love I have for dance to the next generation.” There is no doubt the performing arts will continue to shape her future. “Yes, definitely,” she said. “Performing arts, especially dance, has shaped who I am and the way I express myself, and I don’t see that changing. Professionally, it’s what I want to pursue and keep working towards, and personally it’s something I’ll always come back to because it keeps me grounded and inspired.”
Tenille’s selection to perform at Performing Arts Perspectives is a wonderful recognition of her talent, hard work and passion for dance. Santa Maria College is incredibly proud of her and looks forward to seeing her take the stage at His Majesty’s Theatre on 20 April.
- Alumni #achievement, Arts education, dance excellence, Featured, girls school perth, Performing Arts perspectives, Santa Maria College, Tenille pretorius, WA Performing Arts, WACE Dance
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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